What to Bring Hiking With Kids (Simple Beginner Packing List)

Hiking with kids can feel overwhelming at first. You want to be prepared, but you also don’t want to carry a heavy backpack full of things you’ll never use.

The good news? You don’t need complicated gear or expensive equipment to enjoy a family hike. With a simple, thoughtful packing list, hiking with kids can be fun, stress-free, and something everyone looks forward to doing again.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to what to bring hiking with kids — and what you can leave at home.

The Essentials: What You Absolutely Need

These are the basics for almost any short, beginner-friendly hike.

1. Water for Everyone

Each child should have access to water. For shorter hikes, a reusable water bottle works perfectly. For longer outings, you may want to carry extra water in your backpack.

Hydration is the most important item on your list.

2. Small Backpack

A lightweight daypack makes carrying snacks, layers, and water much easier. Kids who are old enough often enjoy carrying their own small backpack with one or two lightweight items inside.

Keep it simple and avoid overloading it.

3. Snacks (More Than You Think)

Hiking makes kids hungry. Pack easy, non-messy snacks like:

• Granola bars

• Trail mix

• Fruit

• Crackers

• Cheese sticks

Frequent snack breaks help keep energy and morale high.

4. Comfortable Shoes

You don’t need specialized hiking boots for every trail. For beginner hikes, sturdy sneakers with good grip are usually enough.

The key is comfort. Blisters can quickly turn a fun hike into a frustrating one.

5. Weather-Appropriate Layers

Weather can change quickly, especially on trails. Bring:

• A light jacket

• Extra layer for kids

• Rain jacket if needed

It’s better to carry one extra layer than to have a cold, unhappy child.

Safety Basics

You don’t need to pack for every possible emergency, but a few safety essentials are smart to bring.

6. Small First Aid Kit

Keep it basic:

• Bandages

• Antiseptic wipes

• Blister care

Minor scrapes are part of outdoor fun.

7. Sunscreen and Hats

Even on cloudy days, sun exposure adds up. Apply sunscreen before you leave and bring it along if you’ll be out for a while.

Hats are an easy extra layer of protection.

8. Fully Charged Phone

Your phone can serve as:

• A map

• A flashlight

• A way to call for help

Download trail maps ahead of time if you’ll be in an area with limited service.

Kid Comfort Items (Optional but Helpful)

These aren’t required, but they can make a big difference.

9. Small Comfort Item

For younger kids, a tiny stuffed animal or comfort object can help if they get tired or overwhelmed.

Keep it small and lightweight.

10. Nature Scavenger List

Turning a hike into a scavenger hunt makes it more exciting. Ask kids to find:

• Something green

• A bird

• A smooth rock

• A pinecone

• A flower

Giving kids a purpose keeps them engaged.

11. Extra Socks

If your hike includes puddles, creeks, or muddy sections, extra socks can save the day.

Dry feet = happy hikers.

What NOT to Overpack

Overpacking is one of the most common beginner mistakes.

You likely do NOT need:

• Large, heavy backpacks

• Multiple toys

• Cooking gear for short hikes

• Excessive clothing

• Specialty equipment for easy trails

Start with short, well-marked hikes and keep your packing list simple.

The goal is to build confidence, not carry everything you own.

Keep It Simple and Start Small

Hiking with kids doesn’t require perfection. A short, enjoyable hike is far better than a long, exhausting one.

Choose easy trails, take plenty of breaks, and focus on fun instead of distance. Each

positive experience builds excitement for the next adventure.

Make Packing Even Easier

Want a simple checklist you can use before every family hike?

Download our Free Family Outdoor Checklist to make sure you have everything you need for beginner-friendly outdoor adventures.

Start small. Pack smart. Enjoy the time outside. 🌲